Digital Course Reserves Accessibility Specialist, Harvard Library, Cambridge, MA
Posted November 14, 2023
Descriptions
**This is a term position funded through July 31, 2024**
Access Services is dedicated to advancing the mission of the Harvard Library by providing exceptional service, fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment that supports academic research and inquiry, and carefully stewarding the university’s collection. We seamlessly connect the academic community to our extensive array of library resources, ensuring equitable access for users with diverse abilities. By collaborating with students, scholars, and professionals, we actively support the teaching and scholarly pursuits of the University, extending our impact to the Harvard community and beyond.
Under general direction, and in support of the mission of Harvard Library, the position-holder performs a combination of complex duties within Access Services, ensuring accessible and equitable access to the Harvard Library collections while maintaining a steadfast commitment to excellent service. Work is performed within broad parameters defined by general organizational requirements and established practices and precedents requiring an understanding of library-wide procedures.
This full-time position reports to the Access Services Librarian and Digital Reserves Manager & Strategist and is based in Widener Library. In addition to working in Widener, the position-holder collaborates with other Access Services staff members to support Access Services functions across Harvard’s libraries.
Typical hours are flexible, with a 35-hour per week schedule, preferably starting Monday-Friday.
NOTE: The days the library is open may vary from the schedule of classes on the University Calendar. The regular schedule for this position will likely include work on holidays, inclement weather, and official University closings.
Position Description
Harvard Library is seeking a dedicated and experienced Digital Course Reserves Accessibility Specialist to join our team for a temporary full-time one-year term position. The successful candidate will play a vital role in supporting digital accessibility by remediating documents for course reserves and ensuring compliance with accessibility standards. The Digital Course Reserves Accessibility Specialist will also supervise student employees, help improve workflows, and provide assistance to permanent staff members.
Although results are defined, and existing practices are used as guidelines to determine specific work methods, the incumbent is expected to carry out work activities independently. Incumbent may make operational decisions at a level that affects their work unit or area within a department. Decisions that have major implications on the management and operations of an area within a department are made in consultation with their manager.
- Remediate PDFs and other documents to ensure compliance with digital accessibility standards, guidelines, and best practices.
- Collaborate with library staff and instructors to identify and prioritize content requiring remediation.
- Train and supervise student employees working on digital accessibility projects.
- Assist permanent staff members in learning about digital accessibility and remediation processes.
- Contribute to the development and implementation of improved workflows for digital accessibility.
- Stay current on the latest digital accessibility tools, trends, and best practices.
- Monitor and report on the progress of workflows.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Basic Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent education.
- Familiarity with accessibility tools and software, such as Adobe Acrobat Pro.
Additional Qualifications and Skills
- Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, belonging, and antiracism.
- Demonstrated knowledge of accessibility standards, such as WCAG 2.1, and relevant laws and regulations.
- Experience assisting persons with print disabilities.
- Experience working with Learning Management Systems, preferably Canvas.
- Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Prior experience supervising or managing a team is a plus.
Physical Requirements
- This position involves frequent use of computer keyboard and mouse.
- This position involves occasionally lifting and moving loads wedighing more than 25 points and requires bending, squatting, stretching and climbing small step stools when needed to retrieve and shelve books.
Working Conditions
- May interact with collections that may contain dust, mold, or other contaminants.
Work Format Details
The position will be based on our campus in Cambridge, MA., however there is the opportunity for a flexible or hybrid work model compliant with Harvard University remote work policies.
Benefits
We invite you to visit Harvard’s Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:
- Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
- Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
- Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
- Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
- Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
- Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
- Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
- Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
- Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.